Cantilever mounted laboratory equipment module system

ABSTRACT

A RIGID C-SHAPED LABORATORY EQUIPMENT SUPPORT STRUCTURE WHICH PROVIDES MEANS FOR CANTILEVER SUPPORT AND RAPIDLY ATTACHING, DETACHING, AND INTERCHANGING MODULES SUCH AS DRAWER SECTIONS, CABINETS AND THE LIKE.

Feb. 23, 1971 s. w. BRACY ETAL 3,565,502

GANTILEVER MOUNTED LABORATORY EQUIPMENT MODULE SYSTEM Filed April 16, 1969 3 Sheets$heet 1 Feb; 23, 1971 s. w. BRACY ET AL 3,565,502

CANTILEVER MOUNTED LABORATORY EQUIPMENT MODULE SYSTEM Filed April 16, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 8 WW, 13/ 7. lzwwala a? M M Feb. 23, 1971 w, BRACY ETAL 3,565,502

CANTILEVER MOUNTED LABORATORY EQUIPMENT MODULE SYSTEM Filed April 16, 1969 s Sheets-Sheet s xv L\v\\ \X\\ Mi M14 LL r'mmva'm.

United States Patent 01 Patented Feb. 23, 1971 ice US. Cl. 312-257 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A rigid C-shaped laboratory equipment support structure which provides means for cantilever support and rapidly attaching, detaching, and interchanging modules such as drawer sections, cabinets and the like.

FIELD This invention relates to an interchangeable module mounting system used primarly for laboratory equipment.

PRIOR ART The concept of cantilever mounting is known in the art. Specifically, desks have utilized a cantilever suspension in an attempt to provide flexibility and interchangeability to drawer sections, cabinets and the like which will comprise the completed desk or laboratory table, However, none of these desk structures have achieved any significant degree of simplified flexibility with respect to the mounting structure size or module type. Those that have achieved some degree of flexibility in this respect have proved cumbersome and complicated when attaching and detaching drawer sections.

One known type of cantilever laboratory equipment system employs a wall mounted channel from which desired modules are hung. This system offers flexibility for clamping modules, but the wall support means requires time and expense to install, takes up space, and is permanently bolted to the wall, limiting the structures utility. Since the module is attached to a channel at its rear portion, ease of attachment and detachment suffers.

OBJECTS An object of the present invention is to provide a high degree of flexibility both in location of the mounting structure and as to the interchangeability of modules.

A further object is to provide a cantilever module support structure providing for extremely rapid attachment, detachment, and interchangeability of modules.

A further object is to provide a self-supporting system not needing wall support.

A further object is to provide a cantilever module support structure upon which a counter top can be mounted without clamping or module support.

A still further object is to provide a more inexpensive cantilever module mounting system.

BRIEF SUMMARY C-shaped members of the same general size, being located in a generally spaced parallel arrangement are formed by welding or bolting two horizontal members to a vertical member. These C-shaped members provide a rigid mounting structure when attached to a front cross-bracing channel and a rear cross-bracing channel. The cross-bracing channels provide rigidity to the structure as well as serving as support means for the module. The modules, being desk and drawer sections, cabinet sections, drawer sections, and the like, are then mounted on the structure.

The module is brought to the structure by using any conventional means, such as a dolly, The lower rear edge of the module is then placed on the lower cross-bracing channel and the module is then rotated slightly upward until the upper front edge locks into a hanger plate which is bolted to the front cross-bracing channel. The bolts are then further tightened to provide rigid but easily detachable support between the mounting structure and module.

Various features and advantages of this invention will appear more clearly from the following description given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a typical embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the module support structure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the support structure and module;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a typical module arrangement when mounted on the support structure of FIG. 1, forming the completed laboratory equipment system;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view in large scale along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 showing how the module is supported;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-section view showing the front support arrangement;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section view showing how the rear of the module is held in position;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-section view showing how the rear of the module is held in position using a clip support arrangement;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-section view showing how the rear of the drawer housing is supported.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows one form of my cantilever support structure 8 for interchangeably mounting modules, drawer sections, and the like. There are two C-shaped module supporting members 10 arranged in a vertically extending spaced, generally parallel relationship. Each of the C- shaped members having an upper horizontal portion 10A and lower horizontal portion 103 welded to a Vertical center portion 10C to form the C-shaped member 10.

A cross-bracing means 12 extends between and is at tached to the C-shaped members 10; the cross-bracing means has a lower rear cross-bracing channel 14 which is fastened, as for example by screwing, into the vertical portions 10C of the two C-shaped members 10. The bite end 15 of the channel 14 rests forward, in a groove 16 provided in the vertical portion 10C of the C-shaped members 10. An upper rear cross-bracing channel 18 is bolted with spring loaded nuts (not shown) in each C- shaped member in a groove 19 in the vertcial portion 10C, with its bite edge 17 facing downward. This member 18 provide a means for clipping the rear portion of the drawer housing to the structure, see FIG. 8. The third part of the cross-bracing means is a top support being two front cross-channel members 20, 22 which are bolted with spring loaded nuts (not shown) to the upper horizontal portions 10A of the C-shaped members 10 in grooves 21 with their bite edges 23 facing downward. An attaching means here being illustrated in part as a hanger plate 24, is fastened to the rearward upper front crossbracing channel 20 with spring loaded nuts, see FIG. 5. The hanger plate 24 can be readily attached, detached, or moved along the channel member 20 to the portion of the channel at which it is desired to mount a module. The desired number and type of modules are then mounted.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the laboratory equipment ap aratus prior to assembly. Hanger plates 24 are loosely fastened to channel member 20 with spring loaded nuts.

Typical modules 26 and 28 are brought to the support structure. The rear portion of the modules is rested on the lower rear cross-bracing channel 14 and pushed rearward and upward until capture by the hanger plate 24. The module 26 is at this point in a loose lock capture position. The module 26 can be moved laterally to its proper position and the hanger plate 24 tightened to grip and firmly lock module in place, see FIG. 5. This is the firm lock position.

The rear portion of drawer housing 25 is clipped to the upper rear cross bracing channel 18 and the front portion is bolted with spring loaded nuts (not shown) to the front cross bracing channel 20. When properly adjusted laterally, the bolts are tightened thereby locking the drawer housing 25 firmly in position. The counter top 30 is then attached to the support structure 8.

FIG. 3 shows a typical module combination attached to the support structure 8 forming the completed laboratory equipment apparatus. Drawer housing 25 is held in place at its rear by being clipped to rear cross-bracing channel 18, see description of FIG. 8, and attached to the most rearward front cross-bracing channel 20, with spring loaded nuts in the manner previously described. The modules 26 and 28 can be brought to the assembled support structure 8 by the use of a dolly or other conventional means. The rear portion of the modules 26 and 28 is moved back until it rests on rear cross-bracing channel 14. The front portions of modules 26 and 28 are then rotated upwardly until they engage hanger plate 24, see FIG. 4. The modules are then pushed back slightly, so that the rear cross-bracing channel 14 is made to support more of the modules 26 and 28. In this loose lock position the modules 26 and 28 can be properly located laterally and locked firmly as previously described. Counter top 30 is then attached to the structure 8. End caps may then be placed over the cross-bracing channel ends to provide a more pleasing appearance.

The specific form of the laboratory apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is only illustrative and it should be obvious numerous module combinations or arrangements are also possible. It should be apparent that structure 8 may be utilized with counter top 30 without the modules 26 and 28 being mounted to the structure 8. Counter top 30 may rest upon the upper horizontal member A and crossbracing channels 18, and 22. It should also be obvious that counter top in structure 8 may have a sunken portion forming a sink or be any other kind of laboratory top desired.

If plumbing and gas lines are to be utilized with the structure and its location desired to be kept rather per- 'manent it should also be obvious that the rapid and easy assembly afforded by the system is highly advantageous.

FIG. 4 illustrates in cross section how the modules and drawer housing is attached to the support structure. For specific descriptions of each module and housing support means, see description of FIGS. 5-7.

FIG. 5 shows one form of the upper front attaching means. The hanger plate 24 is securely but loosely fastened to the most rearward front upper cross-channel 20 by using a spring load nut: 32 and bolt 34 fastening means. A metal buttress strip 36, spot welded to the lower front portion 38 of the hanger plate 24 becomes its upper front portion 36. A diflFerence in width between the lower front portion 38 and upper front portion 36 of the hanger plate 24 along with a bend in its middle portion 39 provides a groove 40 for the reception of a return bend 42 in the top front edge 41 of the module 26. When engaged, the top front edge 41 and buttress angle 61 of the module 26 are held between the upper front portion 36 of the hanger plate 24 and the bite edge 23 of the most forward upper front cross-channel 22.

When the module 26 is properly located laterally hanger plate 24 is then tightened by turning bolt 34 into spring loaded nut 32. This turning develops a moment of force with the fulcrum at the point of contact between the most rearward bite section of cross channel 20 and the hanger plate 24, see FIG. 5. This force is transmitted by hanger plate 24 into a compressive contact between buttress strip 36 and the module 26. This compresive force is distributed over a sizable area of the top front edge surface 41 of the module 26 firmly locking the module 26 to the mounting structure 8. This method uniquely distributes the weight load of each module over a sufficient area so as to eliminate sag or flexure between the modules 26 and 28 and the bracing cross-channel 20. Thus, no screw holes, cut outs or rework to the module 26 or the top front edge surface 41 are required.

FIG. 6 illustrates the lower rear cross-channel supporting means. The bottom rear edge 44 of the module 26 is supported merely by resting on upper side 13 of the lower rear cross-channel 14.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an alternate scehme of support for use at the lower rear cross-channel supporting means. The bottom rear edge 44 of the module 26 is placed on the rear cross channel 14 described with reference to FIG. 6, a supporting clip 46 is then placed against the bottom rear edge 44 of the module 26 and allowed to extend outward. A retaining clip 48 is then removably fastened to the bite end of the lower rear cross-channel 14 by a spring loaded nut 50 and bolt 51. Generally, by turning bolt 51 into the spring loaded nut 50, a moment of force is developed with the fulcrum at the point of contact with the lower bite edge of rear cross channel 14 and the retaining clip 48. This force is transmitted into a compressive force between the upper vertical edge of the retaining clip 48 and the rear of cross-bracing channel 14 thus securely locking the module 26 without the use of screw holes, cut outs and the like.

FIG. 8 shows one means of supporting the rear of the drawer housing 25, see FIG. 4. The housing 25 is supported at its rear edge 52 by being clipped to the rear cross-bracing channel 18. As illustrated an offset clip 54 provides the supporting means. The rear portion 56 of the offset clip 54 is Welded to the rear drawer housing edge 52. The front portion 58 of the offset clip 54 is then hung from the most forward bend 60 in the bite edge 17 of the rear cross bracing channel 18. This arrangement provides proper support for the rear of the housing but allows rapid attachment or detachment. The front portion of the drawer housing 25 is supported by spring loaded nuts and bolts which engage cross-bracing channel 20 as discussed in the description of FIG. 2.

This apparatus employs the invention-method of rapidly and interchangeably mounting modules. The first step in this method is to place the module which is desired to be mounted near the desired portion of the front upper cross-bracing means. This can be accomplished by placing the module on a dolly or other conventional transporting apparatus and moving the module to the supporting structure. When positioned at the proper portion of the upper front cross-bracing means where mounting is to take place, the module is then moved back while still on the dolly until it rests on a lower rear cross-bracing means. The front top edge of the module is then rotated upward until its edge engages an attaching means, such as hanger plate. The module is then pushed rearward slightly to provide more stable support. At this point the attaching means, hanger plate, is more securely fastened to the cross-bracing member by tightening the front top edge of the module securely to the hanger plate, as for example through the use of spring loaded nuts.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. A cantilever supporting structure for interchange ably mounting modules such as a drawer and cabinet section and the like comprising two C-shaped module supporting members arranged in vertically extending, spaced, generally parallel relationship, each of said members being similarly shaped and having an upper sub stantially horizontal portion, a subjacent vertical portion and a lower substantially horizontal portion; cross-bracing means transversely extending between and attached to said generally parallel C-shaped members to provide a rigid construction, said cross-bracing means being an upper cross channel extending between and attached to the upper substantially horizontal portions of said C- shaped members near its front and the second cross channel being a lower cross channel extending between and attached to said subjacent vertical portions of said C-shaped members near their bottom; whereby said module is supported by having its rear bottom portion supported by said lower cross-bracing means and its top front portion removably attached to said upper cross channel bracing means.

2. A support structure according to claim 1 upon which a counter top can be supported on said upper substantially horizontal portions and said upper cross channel independently from the modules or any module attaching means.

3. A support structure according to claim 1 in which said cross-bracing means includes a rear brace extending between said C-shaped members and rigidly attached thereto at a position where said vertical portion is joined to the upper horizontal portion and means for supporting a drawer housing in part from said brace.

4. A module support structure for removably mounting modules comprising a C-shaped horizontally extended structure for receiving and supporting said modules within the C-shaped cavity formed therein, said structure having an upper horizontal forwardly projection portion, a vertical rear portion and a lower horizontal portion adapted to rest on the floor; means for supporting said modules at their rear bottom edge from said vertical rear portion of said C-shaped structure and means for removably attaching said modules at their top front edge to said forwardly projecting portion of said C-shaped structure.

5. An improved cantilevered method of module mounting comprising the steps of providing a floor supported cantilever support of a C-shape, supporting the bottom of a module at its lower rear and removably attaching the top front of said module to support the same at its upper front part, all to said support whereby the front attachment provides a fast and easily detachable mount for modules of desk, cabinets, and the like.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,042,473 7/ 1962 Vincens 312257 3,104,138 9/1963 Renaud 312 3,370,521 2/1968 Honerkamp 312-257X JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Examiner G. V. LARKIN, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 312195 

